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Pesto Pasta

Pesto Pasta Recipe

A quick, fresh, and flavorful pasta dish made with aromatic basil pesto and perfectly cooked pasta. This recipe is simple enough for beginners but delicious enough to impress guests. Great for busy weeknights or light dinners when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 3 People
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 200 g pasta penne or spaghetti
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup pine nuts
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Boil salted water in a large pot and cook pasta until al dente.
  2. Add basil, Parmesan, pine nuts, and garlic into a food processor.
  3. Blend ingredients while slowly adding olive oil until smooth pesto forms.
  4. Season pesto with salt and black pepper to taste.
  5. Drain pasta and reserve a small amount of pasta water.
  6. Mix pasta with pesto sauce until well coated.
  7. Add a splash of pasta water if needed for a creamy texture.
  8. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top if desired.

Notes

Use fresh basil for the best flavor and color.
Do not overblend pesto to avoid bitterness.
Reserve pasta water to help the sauce coat the pasta smoothly.
You can add grilled chicken or roasted vegetables for variety.
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